Problematic Protagonist in the Novels of Modir-e Madrese and Sovashoon

Owing to have the capability of representing realities of life, novel has replaced epic in the age of Renaissance and industrial revolution and in the first half of the 20th century. George Lukacs has introduced realistic novel as the main form of literary genres corresponding with bourgeois society. Later on his follower, Lucien Goldman, has considered any literary work which is compatible with realism as a valuable work. Therefore, according to these two Marxist thinkers, there are a number of characters who are problematic due to their commitment to sound values and principles in realistic novels. According to Lukacs and Goldman problematic protagonist is a problematic, futureless and protesting person who inquires about noble and original human values. Considering a number of similarities and differences, the action and performance of such protagonists also exist in Iranian realistic novels. In this study as the problematic protagonist is described and explained, the novels of Modir-e Madrese (school head) by Jalal-e Al-e Ahmad and Sovashoon by Simin-e Daneshvar are analyzed with regard to this aspect. The protagonists of these two novels (the head and Yousef) are introduced as problematic characters because of their disagreement with corrupt society.